Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment For Teens & Adults
From Miami Lakes to Pembroke Pines, more often than not, when people think of braces, they now also think of Invisalign. Invisalign is a manufacturer of clear orthodontic aligners that offer an alternative to conventional braces. Treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, often referred to as trays, which progressively force teeth to move into the correct position over time. Although Invisalign is an alternative solution to braces, it is not for everyone, as many dentists may have you believe.
When it comes to Invisalign, braces, or any other orthodontic procedure, your average family dentist typically lacks the proper training to correctly diagnose, plan and treat your orthodontic issues. Your family dentist serves a similar purpose to your family doctor. They are there to help you with your general needs, such as check-ups, cleanings, etc., but they should refer you to a specialist if you need a dental procedure that is outside of their training, such as oral surgery or orthodontics. This is very similar to going to your family doctor for a checkup and being diagnosed with a heart issue. Family doctors wouldn’t perform your heart surgery themselves! They would refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist) who would then give you the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
While orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, they do this differently. A dentist is a professional who studies the medical specialty dealing with the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. On the other hand, an orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training who focuses on the alignment of teeth, correcting bites, and occlusion. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists!
At Miami Lakes Orthodontics, we are a Miami Lakes orthodontic specialist dealing exclusively with correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi is also the only board-certified orthodontist specialist (https://www.americanboardortho.com) between Doral and Pembroke Pines. As a Miami board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Briceño Crespi has taken hundreds of additional hours of education, which makes her the most qualified specialist with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide you with the highest level of patient care.
We are also Invisalign Preferred Providers, which means that we have achieved significant experience in treating patients with Invisalign treatment options. The Invisalign system now offers three types of treatment plans which can be tailored to your specific needs:
Invisalign
Also known as Invisalign complete, it is the most popular prescription for individuals who have never had orthodontic treatment. This is available for initial submission, mid-course correction, and refinement. On average this type of case takes about 12 months for adults. However, an orthodontic specialist can only determine the actual treatment length.
Invisalign Teen
Many teenagers that require Invisalign treatment are very self-conscious about their appearance. Invisalign Teen is a treatment option that offers an almost invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions and less-than-appealing look that come with metal braces.
Vivera Retainers (formerly Invisalign Express)
Not everyone has vast gaps, underbites, and/or other severe cases. For this type of patient, Invisalign has developed Invisalign Express, now rebranded as Vivera Retainers. Invisalign Express (Vivera Retainers) treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions. Invisalign Express treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions.
So, whether it appears or you think that you need orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, the easiest way to find out is to make a free no, obligation consultation with the award-winning, board-certified Miami Lakes Invisalign orthodontist for teens and adults, Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi. Call us at (305) 820-6800 or fill out the form below, and one of our smile specialists will contact you as indicated.
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Pros and Cons of Invisalign and Braces
When deciding what type of corrective hardware is right for you or your child, you will likely have many questions. It is important to choose the most effective and affordable option, while still keeping comfort and practicality in mind. The two main choices when correcting crooked teeth and gaps are braces and Invisalign. Invisalign first became popular in the year 2000; while it is relatively new, it is also very popular and effective. You are probably aware of braces and how they work. Metal brackets are glued to teeth. Wires connect the brackets and are made stronger, shorter, and tighter throughout the process. Invisalign produces the same end result as braces but uses clear plastic aligners or “trays’ instead of metal brackets and wires. Plastic aligners are worn in a series. The teeth straighten throughout the process, getting more and more straight with each aligner. The plastic is BPA free and completely clear.
In order to decide which of these methods is better for you, it is best to compare the pros and cons of each. In terms of appearance, Invisalign definitely comes out on top. The aligners are clear and invisible, for the most part. While braces can be enamel colored or clear, they are always visible and usually are a silver metal that stands out against your enamel. Braces are worn for an average of two years and can never be removed. Invisalign is worn for 22 hours out of each day for 6-18 months on average.
When it comes to cost, braces range anywhere from $3,000 dollars to $7,000 dollars depending on many options and the appliances. Invisalign costs around $4000 to $8,000 dollars in most cases. When you wear braces, you have to brush your teeth often to avoid food getting caught in the wires. Sometimes a water pick is also helpful. Invisalign has its own cleaning system. Other than that, you have to brush your teeth often and rinse the trays with slightly warm water. When you wear braces, you have to visit the dentist once a month for tightening and checkups. Invisalign requires you to change aligners once every 2 weeks, but you only have to visit the dentist every 4 to 6 weeks. Retainers are required after treatment for both braces and Invisalign.
There are pros to both braces and Invisalign. With braces, more complicated teeth issues are able to be addressed. There is also no need for self-discipline, as you cannot remove the braces as you please. Invisalign is not noticeable. It is removable, so you do not have to worry about what you eat. Food is less likely to collect in your teeth and you will not have to deal with the pain from wires and brackets. The main drawbacks to braces are the pain and sores that wires and brackets cause. Foods you are able to eat are limited and teeth are often stained in an odd way due to the brackets. Despite having to remove the aligners when you eat and having to brush well before putting them back in, there are not many real cons to Invisalign.
If you are interested in Invisalign, contact us for more information on how we can help you to transform your teeth into a beautiful smile.